EighthInch Julian V2 Wheelset

So you’re a wheel crusher, eh? Whether it’s fixed freestyle riding, bike polo or just miles and miles of broken concrete on your daily commute, the EighthInch Julian V2 wheelset was designed with you in mind. Available with 32 or 48 spokes (tested), the main feature is the 42mm deep, triple-walled aluminum rims. At 800 grams each, the rims alone weigh more than some wheels.

EighthInch uses Formula hubs with sealed cartridge bearings. Formula’s hubs are extremely popular in the urban market because they’re inexpensive, yet they roll smoothly and last a long time. The front wheel is spaced at 100mm, and the rear comes as 120, but can be spaced to 126 or 130. If you order a wheelset with machined sidewalls, you’ll get a fixed/free flip flop hub. Non-machined rims come laced to a fixed/fixed hub. A 32 spoke pair weighs in at about 1300 grams for the front, 1340 for the rear. Naturally, the 48 spoke versions weigh a tad more.

So how do they ride? As you might expect, they kind of feel like strong, heavy wheels. But in a good way. They’re so sturdy that I just want to launch off tall curbs and wheelie through patches of broken concrete rather than going around. The Julian’s are confidence-inspiring, even if they do add a pound or more to the overall weight of the bike. And I know that engineering standpoint, more weight at the rim is known to make a bike slower to accelerate, but I can honestly say that it’s not these wheels that are keeping me from becoming the next Thor Hushovd.

The Julian V2 wheelset retails for $230.

Check out www.eighthinch.com

Nutcase Gen2 Helmet

Nutcase introduced an updated version of their classic helmet some time back, and now all current helmets in their street collection are the Gen2 design. Like the original version, the helmet features an injection molded ABS shell and EPS foam liner. They kept the same high quality straps and the innovative magnetic buckle system, and three sets of low-density foam pads are included to help tailor the helmet’s fit.

The big upgrade for the Gen2 helmets is the Spin Dial adjustment feature. The knob at the back of the helmet lets you adjust the tension with one hand, adding a higher level of comfort and fit to an already successful design.

Overall, I’m quite happy with the Gen2 helmet. Like the classic helmet, the construction and finish are above average, and the comfort and fit are spot on. I really do wish the helmet had more ventilation, though. On a 90° day, the foam pads soak up a ton of sweat which inevitably comes pouring down your face at an inopportune time. Of course, in the colder months the lack of ventilation is probably going to be a blessing.

The adult Gen2 helmets are available in two sizes: S/M (52-60 cm) and the L/XL (61-64 cm), and in kid’s size XS (46-52 cm). Retail price is $55.

Check out www.nutcasehelmets.com

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